How to be sure SaaS options are right for you

Kristina: What is the pull to SaaS for online brands?

Lauri Klaus, CEO and Founder, KeyedIn: Online brands have a natural affinity for SaaS solutions. They understand how the Cloud works as a computing platform and its many benefits in terms of cost, "anywhere access," ease of use and frequent feature updates.

Kristina: How can SaaS offerings make business simpler for users?

Lauri: The benefit of anytime, anywhere access - from any device (helping solve the BYOD dilema) - provides a great deal of flexibility and convenience for users. This, coupled with the fact that SaaS applications are, in general, designed to be extremely user-friendly and intuitive means users benefit from the software quickly (and the company realizes a faster ROI). The software arms the user with the tools and information to make their jobs easier and the business more productive and efficient.

Kristina: How can online businesses be sure the SaaS option they choose is right for them?

Lauri: Here are the most critical steps for choosing the right SaaS option: First, ensure that the solution you choose is being used by companies of your size and industry and that it will accomplish your specific goals. Second, if your vendor offers a free trial, take advantage of this to make sure the application fits your needs before making the purchase commitment. And remember, one of the key benefits of SaaS is that you are not locked into a long-term or expensive commitment, so don't be afraid to change a solution that is not meeting your business needs.

More from Lauri and KeyedIn later this week, including her debunking of the top 3 SaaS myths.

Image via Shutterstock

Tags: cloud computing, KeyedIn, SaaS applications, SaaS tips, software as a service